The sharp clatter of Asia’s coffee cup hitting the table jolted Harper to attention. "So," Asia said, her eyes blazing with impatience, "how’s it going, Harper? Has he met anyone yet? What’s she like? Come on, spill it!"
Harper sighed, slumping into the chair opposite her friend. The cafe smelled like burnt toast and fresh lattes, but all Harper could taste was the bitterness of her day. Asia had ambushed her the second she left the office, demanding an impromptu meeting.
"Asia, it’s not as easy as you think," Harper replied, taking a long sip of her coffee, hoping the caffeine would dissolve her irritation.
Asia leaned forward, her manicured fingers drumming the table. "What’s the problem? Has he not been seeing anyone? That’s so unlike my brother."
"I think he’s seeing someone," Harper muttered, picking at her fries. "But I don’t know who she is yet."
Asia gasped dramatically. "When? Details, Harper. Details!"
"This morning, he mentioned a date. But then, of course, work happened after I threatened to tell Madame Lancaster. Some meeting or something."
Asia rolled her eyes. "Harper, you should’ve asked about her! You’re his assistant! You’re practically glued to him half the time."
"And you think that wouldn’t seem suspicious? What do you want me to do, Asia, interrogate him? 'Oh, Mr. Eros, what does your new girlfriend look like? Is she prettier than the last one?'" Harper’s voice dripped with sarcasm.
Asia smirked. "You could at least try. You've gotten the trick of getting him to some things. Aren’t you tired of playing personal shopper for all his flings?"
Harper groaned, leaning back in her chair. "Don’t remind me. I’ve bought more perfume, jewelry, and designer bags than I can count. Sometimes I think I should open a gift shop. Call it Gifts for Girlfriends You’ll Forget in a Week."
Asia laughed so hard she nearly spilled her drink. "Or, How to Impress a Woman Without Committing to Her!"
They burst into laughter, the kind that earned them a few side-eyes from other customers. But Harper’s laughter was short-lived. She knew Asia’s next words would bring her crashing back to reality.
"Harper, you know Mom and Dad are coming back soon, right?"
Harper froze, her fry halfway to her mouth. "So?"
Asia stared at her like she’d just asked what water was. "So, they’re going to expect answers! Eros has been avoiding this whole ‘settling down’ conversation for years. If he doesn’t have someone to introduce by the time they land, they’ll never let him hear the end of it."
Harper’s stomach sank. "Asia, that’s not my problem."
"It is your problem," Asia insisted, her tone sharp. "You’re his assistant. You know his schedule, his habits, his... women. You have to help him. Please, Harper. If he doesn’t have a girlfriend to parade around, Mom will kill him. And me, by extension."
Harper rubbed her temples, her mind racing. "Asia, do you even hear yourself? How am I supposed to do that? He doesn’t tell me anything personal, and frankly, I don’t care to know."
"Then find out!" Asia snapped. "You’re smart. Figure something out."
Before Harper could retort, Asia shoved her phone into her hand. "Call him. Now."
Harper’s eyes widened. "What? Are you insane? What am I supposed to say?"
"Improvise!" Asia leaned in, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "Ask him where he is. Tell him you need to discuss something urgent. Work-related. He’ll buy it."
Harper’s mind raced as she stared at the phone. Eros was a cold, calculating man who could sniff out a lie before you even told it. But Asia’s determined gaze left her with no choice.
With a deep breath, she dialed his number. The line rang once, twice, three times before he picked up.
"What is it, Harper?" His voice was curt, void of warmth, like a blade slicing through the silence.
"Uh... sir," Harper stammered, trying to steady her voice. "Where are you?"
There was a pause. Harper could practically feel the weight of his suspicion through the phone. "Why do you need to know?"
Her grip on the phone tightened. "I... I need to discuss something with you. It’s urgent. About work."
A low chuckle echoed through the line, but it wasn’t one of amusement. It was cold, calculating. Dangerous. "Harper, if this is some kind of excuse to meddle in my personal life—"
"No!" she interrupted, her voice cracking. "It’s nothing like that. I swear."
Another pause. Then, finally, he spoke. "Tomorrow.”
The line went dead. Harper stared at the phone, her heart pounding.
Asia clapped her hands in excitement. "You did it! Now let’s figure out what to do next."
Harper wasn’t listening. Her mind was still stuck on his tone, the ice in his words. She’d gotten the information, but at what cost?
***
Eros stepped onto the balcony, his phone still in his hand. The city lights reflected in his cold, dark eyes as he ran a hand through his chestnut brown hair. Behind him, a blonde stirred in the sheets, her voice soft and sleepy.
"Who was that?"
"Nobody important," Eros replied, his tone dismissive. But his thoughts were far from dismissive. Harper had never called him outside work hours before. And the way she’d sounded—nervous, almost desperate—didn’t sit right with him.
As he stared out at the city, a slow smirk spread across his lips. "What are you up to, Harper?"
The sharp buzz of Eros's phone broke through the silence of his hotel room, snapping him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the screen, his brow furrowing as he answered the call without hesitation. "What is it?" His voice was cold, his tone void of any interest.
"Your parents," the voice on the other end said, flat and to the point. "They’re coming back to the city this weekend."
Eros’s grip on the phone tightened, the words hitting him like a slap to the face. He'd known this day was coming. His parents’ disappointment in him had been growing ever since he started his string of ridiculous scandals—infamous affairs, public embarrassments, and the kind of reckless behavior that could break a man’s reputation. But this was different. This time, there would be no escaping their judgment.
"They’ve had enough of your escapades," the voice continued, indifferent to the storm brewing in Eros’s mind. "They want proof that you’re serious. You’re not just some playboy. They want to see a committed relationship. And more importantly, they want you to get married. This weekend. You have to show them you’ve changed, or it’s over."
The coldness in Eros's veins deepened, his jaw clenching as the reality set in. His parents weren’t just coming to see him—they were coming to fix him. The pressure to meet their expectations was suffocating, but worse, if he didn’t act fast, he risked losing the company, his inheritance, everything.
A low chuckle escaped his lips, but it was far from amused. "Marriage. A committed relationship. And they think that’ll fix everything, do they?"
"Yes," the voice confirmed, and Eros could almost hear the smirk. "It’s the only way."
The call ended, leaving Eros in the eerie quiet of the room. He was alone with his thoughts, but his mind raced through a million possibilities. He needed someone, someone who could play the part, who would pretend to be in love with him, who could convincingly be his fiancée for a year. After that, they’d get a divorce, and everything would return to normal. His parents would trust him again. The company would be his.
But who? Who would be stupid enough to agree to such a thing? He had been with countless women, but none of them were smart enough, strong enough, to pull this off.
Then it hit him.
Harper.
His assistant.
She was the one person who never flinched at his charm. She was the one person who saw through his games, and though she was a thorn in his side, she had the qualities he needed—level-headed, professional, and detached. She wouldn’t fall for him. She wouldn’t get swept up in his lies. She was perfect for the job.
A plan started to form in his mind, sharp and calculated. It was risky, but if he played it right, it would work. She would be the perfect scapegoat.
Eros moved swiftly, throwing on his clothes as the plan took shape in his head. The sudden clarity was a welcome relief from the chaos in his mind. He had a way out.
Once dressed, he stormed out of his hotel room, not sparing a glance at the blonde who lay tangled in the sheets behind him. She groggily mumbled something as he headed for the door. Without a second thought, he tossed a bundle of cash on her chest.
"Get dressed. You’re done," he snapped, not waiting for her response. The money fluttered in the air as she sat up, glaring at him.
"Asshole," she muttered, grabbing the cash and slipping out of bed. But Eros didn’t care.
The plan was set in motion.
He stepped into the elevator and punched in the number for the ground floor, his mind already on the next step. Harper would be his perfect solution. He’d present her with the offer—a year-long engagement, a fake marriage, and a tidy little paycheck at the end of it all. No strings attached. He knew her well enough to understand she wouldn’t be fooled by the romance or the lies. She’d play her part, just as he would.
But the thought of working with her on something so intimate, even fake, stirred a mixture of unease and intrigue in him. Harper wasn’t like the others. She was too professional, too sharp. There was no room for any real connection between them, and that was exactly how he wanted it.
As the elevator doors opened, Eros stepped out into the lobby, his phone already in hand. He dialed Harper’s number, his mind already running through the words he’d say.
The phone rang twice before she picked up, her voice clipped and professional as always.
"Sir?"
"Harper," he replied, his tone cutting through the air like a blade. "We need to talk."
There was a pause, then she responded, her voice cooler than usual. "About what sir?"
"About you and me," Eros said, his smirk barely contained. "We’re getting married."
The silence that followed stretched on, a heavy, palpable thing. Eros could practically hear her thoughts, her disbelief, her confusion. But he didn’t give her a chance to speak. "I’ll explain the details later, but for now, you’re going to pretend to be my fiancée. This will be a contract marriage—one year. After that, we go our separate ways."
Harper’s sharp intake of breath was the only indication she was still on the line. Eros’s heart raced, the thrill of the challenge coursing through him. This wasn’t just about business. This was about proving he could make this work, even with someone as difficult as Harper.
Discussing it at work wasn't okay. He had to take her off work so she would be able to think.
“What?!”
Eros watched her approach, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. Harper looked different, but he couldn't quite put his finger on why. It had only been a few months since he'd last seen her, but something about her presence felt unfamiliar today. Was it the way her hair flowed freely past her shoulders instead of being pulled up in a tight bun? Or perhaps it was the nervous energy in the air as she walked toward him? Whatever it was, it piqued his interest.She wasn’t the type of woman he usually entertained—too simple, too reserved—but that was exactly why she might just work for his plan. All he needed was someone to play the part of his fiancée for a year, to fool his parents and the board, to win the company for himself. He didn't have time for anything more. A quick contract, a few public displays of affection, and then it would all be over. “Harper.” The name slipped from his lips as she finally reached the table, her nervousness radiating off her in waves. “You’re late.”
Harper's eyes met with his from where she sat. She looked away quickly and got up to attend to other things.She opened the door of his office, adjusting and clearing her throat as she walked in. She would talk to him normally, go on with her job and everything will be fine, simple! No need to make anything awkward.Harper nervously shifted her chair, avoiding Eros' penetrating gaze as he leaned back, his icy eyes fixed on her. "I trust you've come to a conclusion and reviewed the terms. Time is money, and I don't appreciate wasting either.""Oh absolutely," Harper replied, feigning ignorance. "The contract was a riveting bedtime story."He arched a brow, unimpressed. Harper continued to evade eye contact, her fingers tapping nervously on the mahogany table."I'll take that as a yes.""I haven't decided yet.""This deal could elevate you. Don't let personal feelings cloud your judgment." He crossed his fingers. "Anyone would jump at the opportunity without even reading the terms.""O
Harper was dumbstruck as the woman gloriously descended the stairs. Beautiful was a understatement. Her long wavy black hair flowed smooth, accentuating her small face. Even under the lights, her skin glowed. Her dropping diamond earrings listened under the lights, sparkling directly in your eyes if you stared at them too long. “I didn't know you were around.” she cooed softly, walking past Harper. Eros tucked his hands in his pockets, giving her a handshake instead as she wanted to hug him and walked towards Harper. “Meet my fiancé, Harper.” he held her hand in his. Harper swallowed hard. The woman standing in front of her was no ordinary person - it was Elena Darros, the daughter of Darros Pharmaceuticals, one of the biggest pharmaceutical companies in the world. Elena looked at Harper in surprise mixed with contempt. It was like she immediately accessed her from head to toe. “Fiancé?” She asked, folding her arms in amusement. “and when was…this?”Harper was about to reply whe
“What?” Rain said aloud, spilling her drink. “Ughh don't make a fuss.” Harper groaned, cleaning the table with a napkin. “You mean all of these things happened and you didn't feel the need to call me. What did you tell him? Have you given him a response yet?”Harper rolled her eyes. “How am I supposed to give him a response? We're talking about marriage here… marrying him!” She downed the coke like it was alcohol and faced her friend. “Rain, you've been my best friend since we were kids. You know me well, I have never been in a relationship with anybody nor have I fallen in love before. Marriage has to be between two people that love each other.”Rain leaned close, tucking her hair away from her face. “Look at me Harper. This is so fucking different. You are pretending and if your dumb brain isn't processing this, he is willing to pay you for your troubles. What's love here? You don't have to be in love, just do your job and you're out of each other's neck.”“Not with someone like E
Harper's phone rang once, twice, third time till she finally picked up. Answering half-awake and groggy, Eros' voice jolted her awake. "We're you dead before?" sarcasm plastered in his tone. "It's not work day so - what's up?" Harper asked, laying on her back. "We have to be somewhere together. I'll pick you up in an hour." "You -" The call ended before she could finish her protest. Harper threw her legs angrily on the bed, turning to the sides till she rolled off to the ground. "Fuck you Eros!" she cussed and got up, yawning and dragging herself to the bathroom. She didn't think he ever rested. How could someone be so active all the time? She doubted her ever slept and even if he did, he was still active. Harper looked at her reflection in the mirror. Her short hair rough like she had just been electrocuted. She took her toothbrush and began brushing her teeth, while texting Rain who just announced she was going on her third date that week and that was why she left the
Adeline clasped her hands together dramatically. “Oh, I’ve heard so much about you! Come on, darling. We’re going to have so much fun.” Eros rolled his eyes, his expression already showing his impatience. “I didn’t bring her here for fun, Adeline. She needs a wardrobe overhaul.” Adeline smirked, looping her arm through Harper’s. “Wardrobe overhaul? From Mr. Ice King himself? Now this I’ve got to see.” She led Harper further into the boutique, her heels clicking against the polished marble floor. “Don’t mind him, Harper. He’s been like this since high school—bossy, cold, and utterly unbearable.” Harper chuckled, stealing a glance at Eros. “High school? You mean Eros actually had friends?” Adeline let out a peal of laughter, and even Eros’s lips twitched, though he quickly masked it with a scowl. “Hard to believe, isn’t it?” Adeline said, winking. “We became best friends in high school. I was the loud, colorful one, and he was...well, you see how he is. Total opposites. But he saved
The sun was beginning to set as Harper waved goodbye to Adeline, who stood at the entrance of the boutique, grinning like the cat that ate the canary. “Take care of her, Eros,” Adeline called out, her voice teasing. “She’s a treasure. And don’t forget, Harper, if he annoys you too much, call me. I’ll deal with him.”Harper laughed, adjusting the numerous shopping bags dangling from her arms. “Thanks, Adeline. I might just take you up on that.”“Oh, and these are for you.” Adeline handed her two sleek, ribbon-wrapped boxes. “A little wedding gift from me. Don’t open them until you’re home.”“Thank you,” Harper said, smiling warmly despite the growing ache in her arms. The bags were starting to feel like they weighed a ton.Eros, of course, was already walking ahead, his hands casually tucked into his pockets as if he hadn’t just spent a small fortune on her wardrobe. Harper glared at his retreating back, muttering under her breath, “Must be nice to have no sense of guilt.”She took a f
Harper stood at the entrance of the gigantic doors, her eyes widened in surprise and admiration. She tightened her grip on her suitcase, swallowing hard. The thought of living alone with Eros was overwhelming enough. “This is it Harper!” she took a deep breath and headed in, dragging her suitcase. Eros had had his driver come pick her up very early in the morning. He wasn't around when she entered, leaving her with enough time to tour the massive mansion. Harper stepped through the grand, arched doorway of Eros’s mansion, dragging her suitcase behind her. The entrance hall was vast, with marble floors that gleamed under the soft afternoon light streaming in from the tall windows. A grand chandelier hung above, glittering with hundreds of crystals that cast faint rainbows across the polished surfaces. But the house was silent. Too silent. Harper paused, her eyes narrowing slightly. She had half-expected Eros to be waiting, ready to smirk and deliver one of his usual arrogant r
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface. Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously. “I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.” Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking abou
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface. Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously. “I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.” Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking about.
Wren's tiny studio apartment felt more claustrophobic than ever, suffocating her with the weight of impending doom. Clothes were scattered across the bed, half-packed into a battered backpack. She moved with frantic energy, hands shaking as she double-checked her flashlight. Her lips were pressed into a grim line, betraying the dread bubbling beneath her surface.Raya, her best friend, leaned against the doorframe, arms folded, worry etched deep into her features. “Are you sure that’s the best idea, Wren?” she asked cautiously.“I don’t know.” Wren’s voice cracked as she zipped her bag halfway. “But either way, he’s gonna have my head on a plate. I’ve tried everything, Raya. He’s not going to listen to any more excuses.” She shoved a pair of sneakers into the bag with trembling hands. “I can’t just sit here waiting for them to come. Running might be the only shot I have.”Raya sighed, moving to sit on the edge of the bed. “Wren, this isn’t just some random guy we’re talking about. Thi
His hazel eyes darted around me like a predator meeting its prey, his arms folded as he rested on the wall scanning my body with interest and attention. I swallowed hard, my heart beat was faster than normal and I felt weak in the knees. I could feel his gaze all over my body as the hairs on my body rose up pointily. I literally had goosebumps. He was deadass handsome, even a hundred times better than the pictures and tabloids of him. His physique was gallant and exactly as he was described BUT - he'll be your worst nightmare if you ever cross paths. "What is this Asia? I told you I'm not interested in little virgin girls," He didn't stop looking at my body and then his eyes rested on my chest. He bit his lower lips and scanned me down again "they make too much noise in bed." "Be respectful brother. I told you I was gonna hire you an assistant and here she is" Asia stood next to me, her hands around my shoulder as I stood stiffly in shock. I was so glad she was there with me. Th
She lowered the book, staring down at its bold black cover. “You don’t even know what the hell is in this thing,” she muttered under her breath. Her voice was barely audible, but even that felt too loud in the oppressive silence. She flinched, looking around to make sure no one had noticed. No one seemed to. The workers kept moving, heads down, hands busy. But the eerie quiet still pressed in on her. “Okay, Wren,” she whispered to herself, shifting her weight carefully to ease the ache in her bruised ribs. “Be reasonable. Be smart. You can’t die here. Not now.” Her voice cracked slightly, but she forced herself to keep talking. “Play along. Clean floors. Scrub windows. Whatever they want. Just… stay alive.” The cleaning supplies were crude, old-fashioned brushes and rags tossed into a dented metal bucket. Wren grabbed them quickly, her movements stiff and jerky, and dragged them to the nearest corner. Her knees screamed in protest as she crouched down, running the coarse brush
Wren sank onto the bed, wincing as pain flared through her ribs. Her muscles felt like they’d been torn apart and stitched back together with barbed wire. But even through the haze of exhaustion and pain, her mind raced. She wouldn’t survive this place by chance. She had to be smarter, faster, better. And she had to escape before Riven decided her usefulness had run out. A sharp knock on the door snapped her out of her thoughts. She opened it to find a tall, scarred man with a permanent scowl. “Work starts now,” he barked, thrusting a thick book into her hands. She barely caught it, its weight nearly knocking her off balance. The words Rule Book were stamped in bold letters on the cover. “You’ve got one job,” the man growled, his voice low and dangerous. “Follow the rules. And don’t make me regret letting you live.” Wren’s grip tightened on the book as the door slammed shut. She swallowed the bile rising in her throat. This wasn’t survival. This was a game. And if she wa
The air in the shed felt oppressive, heavy with fear and the sharp tang of blood. Wren’s wrists burned where the metal shackles bit into her skin, her every struggle making them dig deeper. Her chest heaved as she fought to breathe past the taste of sweat and copper in her mouth. Bruises painted her arms and legs in shades of deep purple and sickly yellow, and her ribs screamed with every shallow breath she took. A figure stood before her, a shadow of death cloaked in cold cruelty. His eyes were like shards of ice, piercing and merciless, and his lips curled in a sneer that promised nothing but pain. "And if I put a gun to your head, do I become a bad person?" His voice was low, unhurried, like he was savoring the terror in her wide eyes. Wren flinched as the words hit her, each one slicing through the fragile thread of hope she clung to. She could barely see him through the blood matting her hair and dripping into her eyes, but she didn’t need clear vision to feel his rage and
Rain's head banged very hard with a very loud headache. It was morning and the room was lit with natural light. Last night had been a lot. She remembered the embarrassing breakup with that scumbag and bumping into a fine gentlemen, then at the club. But what she didn't remember was how she got home. She turned to the side of the bed to take her phone but the more she stretched, the more bed space she felt until... "Oh my God!" she almost shouted out loud. Beside her was a gorgeous stranger fast asleep. Rain rubbed her eyes, confirming if it was a dream or not. A one night stand? With a total stranger? She looked on the floor to find her gown, panties, bra and his clothes scattered all over the ground. The stranger grunted as he turned to his left side, directly facing her. His dark brown hair messily covering his face. He was huge! Rain leaned forward gently not to cause any sudden movements. His arm was ripped and strong. Then her eyes darted down to his waist; a fine b
“WHAT IS GOING ON HERE?” Rain's voice rang across the restaurant, causing a few people to turn their heads. “Whatever it looks like.” the masculine voice responded, standing up to eye her and then bend down to the level of the woman sitting next to him and kissed her with their tongue in each other's mouth. Rain felt bile rise up at the back of her throat as she watched in disbelief. “I didn't think you would be so cheap. I almost believed that a pig like you would actually be different but there's no amount of polishing a pig can get, it will always belong in the gutter!” This was her boyfriend of two years. The one who she had thought was different from all the playboys and jokers she had been dating in the past. She believed Julien was different. He cared for her in ways no man had ever done and yet here he was with another lady sitting next to him with no remorse on his face. “You see, that's the problem you have. I couldn't keep up with you not knowing what you want and